Cala Millor – Lively Resort in north-eastern Mallorca

Cala Millor is a lively resort on the northeast coast of Mallorca. Unlike many other coastal villages, the town has no historical buildings of note. The typical tourist resort draws its charm from the 1.8 km long sandy beach, which slopes effortlessly into the sea and therefore is an attractive and safe option for families with children.

Cala Millor is bustling and mainly appeals to German and British tourists. The first seeds of becoming a major tourist spot began in the 1930s.

The History of Cala Millor

Calla Millor means "Best bay" in Catalan and actually the 1.8 km long bay with the fine sandy beach ticks all the boxes. The seaside resort in the northeast of the island was developed with no other aim in mind than tourism. The first hotel was built by Jaume Vicens in 1934. Barely 25 years later, in 1958, the Hotel Sabina became the second hotel in this perfect bay. Many more followed over the next decades. The waterfront of Cala Millor, lined with restaurants, bars, cafés and shops, bears the name of architect Joan Llinàs who designed the original development in 1962, which at the time was limited only to the Cala Millor area. In the 1970s, it was expanded to the neighbouring village of Cala Bona.

Today, Cala Millor and Cala Bona form one single entity in terms of tourism. Hotels and apartment complexes dominate in the streets behind the beach. Both resorts are largely merged with each other due to the narrow development. Around 50 hotels in various categories, just under 20 apartment complexes and bed and breakfasts are in Cala Millor as accommodation options. Numerous residents spend the whole winter on this section of the Mallorcan northeast coast. Some seniors have acquired a second home in Cala Millor while others have settled permanently in the coastal village.

Tourist Highlight: Cala Millor Beach

1.8 km long and up to 35 m wide is the sandy beach in the bay of Cala Millor. In the high season between June and September, there is hardly a free spot. Although it is a continuous beach, it is divided into three sections. The northern area is called Arenal de Son Servera. At this section you see the first row of hotels rise. In the middle is the 1.2 km long Platja de Sant Llorenç, beyond which the village of Son Moro Bonavista lies. Through tourist development and the associated development of the village Cala Millor has thrived. In the south, the beach section with the name Cala Nau joins, which merges after about 200 m with the flat rocky coast of the Punta de n'Amer peninsula.

The beach of Cala Millor has first class tourist infrastructure. There are sunbeds and umbrellas for rent and lifeguards in the peak season. Ramps give unrestricted access to the beach. Washing facilities including fresh water showers are also available. Enjoy a cappuccino or a cold beer under the palm trees on the beach promenade. The wide promenade is divided into a cycle and footpath and is lined with countless restaurants and hotels.

Activities in Cala Millor

In summer, as the Med reaches 25 degrees water sports and swimming become the central focus of this beach. Windsurfing, snorkelling and banana boat riding are all possible in the bay of Cala Millor. If you love adventure and action, rent a quad or beach buggy from a local supplier and take a guided tour inland. Just one motorway exit away is Canyamel golf course in the bright sunshine. The 18-hole course impresses with design elements such as dry stone walls, fig trees and palm-lined fairways. In the centre several bike rental operators are to be found. There you can rent a mountain bike, a touring bike or a four-seater with awning and cycle along the beach promenade at your leisure.

The main shopping street and restaurants

Just behind the promenade of Cala Millor runs the busy shopping street. Boutiques, supermarkets, swimwear and shoes shops, souvenir shops and restaurants line the pedestrian area. In the evening, numerous bars and clubs play host to a decent nightlife. However, Cala Millor is not known for being wild. Night owls wishing to dance till the wee hours should take advantage of offers from local tour operators offering party trips to neighbouring Cala Ratjada and El Arenal on the south coast.

Cala Millor offers a tremendous wealth of dining options. The spectrum ranges from simple snacks to gourmet restaurants. If you have not booked an all-inclusive stay in a hotel, you can try a holiday mixing Mallorcan, British and continental European cuisine. "Euforia" restaurant is a new Mallorcan concept with very tasty tapas, while "La Siesta" puts the focus on Mediterranean cuisine with Mallorcan influences. The oldest bar in Cala Millor bears the name "Bar Rafael" and a visit is almost a must for summer holiday makers. As lively as it is in the summer months in the resort, it is eerily quiet in the winter months. Most shops close in the cold season. Residents go shopping in the small towns of Artà or Manacor.

Places to visit in the area

As a popular family holiday resort, Cala Millor has a number of destinations and tourist facilities in the area. Park Safari Zoo Reserva Africana is home to African savannah animals and is a popular day out near Sa Coma. Nature lovers and hikers should plan a trip to the Amer peninsula. The nature reserve is accessed via several hiking trails and is home to rare species of birds and lizards. For a half-day trip, visit the Cuevas del Hams or the Cuevas del Drach. Both caves are located in Porto Cristo and can be reached after a short drive by rental car.

South of Cala Millor is the small town of Felanitx, which is a regional wine-growing region. In the wine shops in the centre you find fine white and red wines. Wine has only been made locally once again for a few years, after a devastating phylloxera plague at the end of the 19th century brought Mallorcan wine production to a sudden end. On a 500 m high mountain at the gates of Felanitx lies the fortress-like monastery of Santuari de Sant Salvador. A narrow winding road meanders up the mountain side. The drive is worthwhile not only because of the visit to the historic abbey, but above all because of the fantastic views.

We hope that this report has given you an insight into the tourist infrastructure and the sights in and around Cala Millor. We hope to have aroused your interest in one of the most interesting places in Mallorca.